Anubias plants are a staple for freshwater tanks, prized for their hardy growth, broad leaves, and ability to tolerate low light. This guide highlights five reliable Anubias varieties and related products to help beginners and experienced aquarists alike create lush, natural-looking aquariums. Each item below is chosen for ease of care, versatile placement, and compatibility with a range of tank setups.
| Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|
| SubstrateSource Anubias Live Aquarium Plants – Potted Freshwater Plant | SubstrateSource | Nana (Compact) |
| 3 Aquatic Plants Bundle | Live Plants for Freshwater Aquariums | Marcus Fish Tanks | Anubias VAR Nana |
| Marcus Fish Tanks Anubias Nana Petite Live Aquarium Plants | Marcus Fish Tanks | Nana Petite |
| Marcus Fish Tanks – Anubias Barteri Pot Broad Leaf | Marcus Fish Tanks | Barteri Broad Leaf |
| SubstrateSource Anubias Live Aquarium Plants – Potted Barteri Broad Leaf | SubstrateSource | Barteri Broad Leaf |
The following selections emphasize low light tolerance, simple rooting, and durable leaves that resist damage in community tanks. The list includes both nana-type varieties for foreground/midground use and larger Barteri types for background impact, with notes on acclimation and basic care to help you keep each specimen thriving.
SubstrateSource Anubias Nana Live Aquarium Plant (1 Pot)
Anubias Nana is among the most popular aquatic plants for beginners and seasoned hobbyists. It instantly adds a lush, natural look to aquariums, paludariums, or terrariums. The plant is known for its compact size, rich green coloration, and pointed leaves, making it ideal for filling midground to background space as the tank grows in. This rooted plant ships about 4-6 inches tall, and comes in wool. Remove the wool before planting and keep the rhizomes above substrate to prevent rot.
3 Aquatic Plants Bundle: Anubias VAR Nana
This live aquarium plant bundle includes three Anubias barteri bare root plants, ranging in size from 3 to 7 inches. The bundle provides immediate visual impact and spread within the tank as the plants establish. A note on shipping: extreme weather can affect plant health, and shipping should be avoided when temperatures may fall below freezing. Expect slight variation in size as these are live plants.
Marcus Fish Tanks Anubias Nana Petite Live Plants (1 Pot)
This petite Anubias Nana variety is sold as a single pot and ships with a small, healthy plant suitable for foreground emphasis or midground accents in smaller tanks. The listing includes guidance on winter shipping and replacement if the plant arrives dead, provided a clear photo is shared. The Nana petite cultivar remains a reliable choice for compact layouts while maintaining hardiness in typical home aquariums.
Marcus Fish Tanks Anubias Barteri Pot, Broad Leaf
The Anubias Barteri variety features broad, dark green leaves that grow up to about 4 inches long and approximately 2.5 inches wide. This plant is well-suited for midground to background positions and contributes a bushier aesthetic to the tank. The listing notes winter shipping cautions and provides a straightforward example of pot size as a guide for placement and scape planning.
SubstrateSource Anubias Barteri Broad Leaf (1 Pot)
This Barteri Broad Leaf cultivar offers a robust appearance with broad, dark-green leaves that create a bushy effect in the midground or background of the aquarium. Like other Anubias varieties, it ships 4-6 inches tall in wool; remember to remove the wool and plant with the rhizome above the substrate to prevent rot. It suits low to moderate light setups and pairs well with other hardy varieties in mixed-tank designs.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Choosing Anubias
When selecting Anubias plants for an aquarium, several factors influence long-term success. Light availability, substrate stability, and tank mates all affect growth and health. Anubias prefer low to moderate light, which minimizes algae and helps leaves stay vibrant. They anchor easily to rocks, driftwood, or even a sturdy substrate, making them versatile for varied aquascapes. Check rhizome health before purchase: avoid plants with browning tips or mushy areas. Quarantine new specimens if possible to prevent hitchhikers and disease from entering established tanks.
Size and leaf shape matter for composition and maintenance. Nana varieties stay compact, fitting neatly in foreground or midground spots, while Barteri types offer a more substantial backdrop. Consider how much space you have and whether you want a focal point or a soft, leafy background. Shipping considerations and weather mention potential delays or plant stress; plan container placement and acclimation time to minimize shock. Finally, verify that the plant is rooted or bare-root as described, and follow care instructions to encourage healthy rooting and growth.
Maintenance is straightforward: trim any old or damaged leaves, ensure the rhizome remains above substrate, and avoid heavy fertilization that can boost algae growth. Anubias tolerate a range of water conditions and are generally resistant to common aquarium pests, provided you start with healthy stock. Pairing with slow-growing foreground plants or moss can create layered depth in your aquascape while keeping nutrient demands balanced. For beginners, starting with a single hardy specimen and gradually adding more can simplify the learning curve and yield satisfying visual results.
In summary, the best Anubias choices combine reliability, ease of care, and visual versatility. From compact Nana varieties to broader Barteri leaves, these plants adapt well to various tank sizes and lighting setups. Use the product selections above to tailor a natural, enduring aquarium that remains resilient to routine maintenance and seasonal changes.